There are strong indications that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may offer former President Goodluck Jonathan an automatic presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections, if he agrees to return fully to partisan politics.
This was disclosed in Abuja by the PDP’s National Financial Secretary, Hon. Daniel Woyengikuro, who described Jonathan as the party’s national leader and the most respected political figure across party lines after former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Speaking during a media chat, Woyengikuro said the party was seriously considering persuading Dr. Jonathan to step forward once again, noting that high-level consultations were already ongoing between party leaders and his key allies.
“Is he not the best candidate for us at this moment?” Woyengikuro asked rhetorically.
“He is not just a former president; he is the leader of the party now. Aside from Obasanjo, the next person in line is him. Goodluck Jonathan is the national leader of this party.”
The PDP official further emphasized that Nigeria’s current situation required a steady and tested hand, stressing that Jonathan’s experience and wide appeal made him the most viable option for the opposition party heading into 2027.
“Nigeria has reached a point where we need to salvage this country, for our generation and for those to come. When we talk about the Southern Presidency, someone like Goodluck Jonathan stands out,” he stated.
On whether the party would consider offering Jonathan an automatic ticket, should he choose to contest again, Woyengikuro said the option was not just possible but necessary.
“For me, that’s what I firmly stand for. You can quote me anywhere, I want him to come. An automatic ticket for him, as it stands now. Because we must salvage both this party and the nation.”
He also praised Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, as one of the few PDP leaders with the right energy and political maturity to bridge the gap between Nigeria’s youth and elder statesmen.
“These are the two main individuals I stand for: Goodluck Jonathan and Seyi Makinde,”.
